- Rigo Tovar was a musician and actor who became widely known for his elusive blend of genres and lovable personality
- Rigo’s Musical Career kicked off when he relocated to Houston, Texas, and reportedly sold over 25 million records before his demise
- The Mexican musician suffered serious health issues and died as a result of cardiac arrest on March 27, 2005, at the age of 58
Rigo Tovar is remembered as a musical genius. His blend of genres and modern use of instruments was the magic other musicians lacked during his time. It’s no surprise that the streets tagged him “The Idol of the Masses” (El Ídolo de las multitudes).
The Mexican star began his musical career in the early 70s and in 1976 the release of the album Amor y Cumbia (Love and Cumbia) catapulted him to stardom not only in Mexico but in many other areas of Latin America as well as the United States.
Sadly, he died on March 7, 2005, a few days before his 59th birthday. As the story goes, he had underlining health issues that led to cardiac arrest.
The Brief Biography of Rigo Tovar
The Mexican singer was born Rigoberto Tovar García on March 29, 1946, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico to a humble family of nine who had a hard life in making ends meet. His father was a carpenter from Tamaulipas while his mother, Sarita Garcia Barron was from Texan.
As regards his education, Rigo was opportune to get tutored by a pharmacist after his high school education, and thereafter, he left for Houston, Texas alongside his brothers in search of greener pastures.
He Was Widely Recognised as a Musician
Rigo’s affinity for music developed at a very early age. He was known for his genre flexibility in using the instrument gifted to him by his mother and brother. The musician had a way of combining cumbia, tropical, and pop-rock to give him a perfect blend that made him stand out among his contemporaries.
In the early 70s, Rigo founded the ‘Rigo Tovar y El Costa Azul’ (The Blue Coast) musical band alongside his brothers. The band was recognized for entertaining and were usually invited to perform at parties and meetings until they parted ways a few years later when Rigo started gaining all the attention as a result of some early hits.
At the age of 26, Rigo released his first album Cómo Será La Mujer which comprised 10 songs. Since then he has recorded at least 56 albums with the last one being Cumbias Para Bailar which was released a few months before his death.
The Mexican Musician Passed Aways in 2005
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Rigo was plagued with different forms of health conditions while alive. First, he was diagnosed with an eye impairment known as retinitis pigmentosa – an inherited disease that causes retinal degeneration.
The singer was always protecting his sight by the use of dark sunglasses since the condition had no cure even though most people considered it his antics to get attention.
Rigo’s sight was gradually fading off during his mid-20s and he reportedly got blind thereafter. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only health challenge Rico suffered.
He also suffered vitiligo, a condition that affects the pigment of the skin, and was diagnosed with diabetes and further complications that led to cardiopulmonary arrest.
After a series of unsuccessful operations, the Mexican musician was hospitalized for a while and on March 27, 2005, he gave up the ghost. To grant his wishes, his body was cremated and the ashes were thrown into one of the Matamoros rivers.
Interesting Facts About Rigo Tovar
1. He Was Linked to Many Women
Rigo was married to a woman he met in Houston named Juana Torres with whom he had three children. Even though some sources have named her Isabel Martinez. Rigo’s children are Sarita, Veronica, and Rigoberto. However, that wasn’t the only woman in his life.
The artist was also linked with several women whose identities have been kept secret by Rigo. The exact number of Rico’s kids may not be known but as the story goes, he has fathered at least 12 children.
2. Rigo Tovar Retired from Music as a result of his Health Issues
Rigo was indeed a great star in Mexico. He wasn’t just loved for his style of music but also for his personality. However, his career came to a halt when he lost his mother to a terminal illness on November 7, 1974, and then his brother, Everardo Tovar during an earthquake on September 19, 1985.
The Matamoros-born musician resolved to take drugs and soon became an addict. His underlining health issues deteriorated and made him resign in the early 90s.
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3. He Was Named after a Movie He Starred in
While many recognized Rigo as a singer, only a few knew him as an actor. Rigo had a career in acting and was featured in at least four movies. His first movie was titled Rigo es Amor which earned him the name ‘Rigo Is Love’. Until this day, the Mexican star is remembered by the name.
Some of his interesting movies include Roma, El Gran Triunfo, (The Great Triumph), Vivir Para Amar (Live to Love), and Don’t Blame the Kid.
4. How Rich Was the Mexican Musician?
Rigo made his money as a singer and actor. Before his death, he had an estimated net worth of $11 million. Rigo’s music is still been sold until this day and has added to his worth which is managed by his children.
5. What are His Legacies?
Rigo’s memory didn’t fade from the hearts of the people of Matamoros. A year after his death, a statue was erected in the region of Matamoros, Tamaulipas Mexico in memory of him.
Moving on, a musical concert was held in Mexico City, and his hometown of Matamoros, Tamaulipas was renamed after him.
